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The recent reopening of export markets to U.S. beef cattle have brought specific requirements from each of these countries and increased demand for cattle meeting those guidelines. The main requirements that impact cattle producers are source and age verification. Signed affidavits will no longer fulfill age verification for export markets. This verification is required to be done through independent third-party audits of calving records for age.
The Wyoming Business Council has developed the Wyoming Verified program as a service to Wyoming producers to source and age verify livestock through AgInfoLink’s USDA Process Verified Program.
The Wyoming Verified program is an excellent marketing tool to enhance profitability and can allow producers to capture that added value through premiums being offered for certified livestock. Premiums for certified beef cattle have been paid for both feeder calves and finished cattle.
Certifying livestock through the Wyoming Verified program allows flexibility in record-keeping and marketing. Certification follows the verified livestock no matter what marketing channel is utilized: sale barn, video, private treaty, or retained ownership.
The natural beef market continues to grow. Natural meat companies place a higher value on verified, natural calves and lambs for their market. The verified natural claim can provide such a source of animals.
For further information contact:
John Henn, Livestock & Meat Marketing Manager
Phone: 307.777.2847
Fax: 307.777.2838
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Business Assistance
